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Understanding Descartes?s Dream Argument, 2005.
Examines Descartes's dream theory within the context of the idea that computers might think, dream, and be deceived by dreams.
1,956 words (approx. 7.8 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 62.95
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Abstract
The ?dream argument? may have been a truly-lived expression of doubtfulness during Descartes's era. This paper notes why Descartes and his contemporaries may have been truly puzzled, given the state of scientific understanding at that time. Today, one cannot even get to the point in which proving or refuting Descartes?s dream argument would make any sense. One cannot simply lift the dream argument out of those circumstances and transplant it to our times. The paper shows that what may be appropriate is to look at computer technology today and ask whether computers can think, dream, and be deceived by their dreams.
From the Paper
"One can first begin with the question of whether computers can really play chess. Over thirty years ago it would have been very apparent that chess game software (and the corresponding hardware) had a challenging time competing with someone who was a decent chess player. When the question was asked over thirty years ago, it was possible to answer the question in the negative by way of showing the essential differences between how a human makes a move in chess versus how a computer performs the same operation."
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Descartes and Dreaming, 2002.
Assesses philosopher, Descartes' views on dreams and perception of reality.
1,400 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 1 source, $ 53.95
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Abstract
This paper explores Descartes' dream argument in order to determine the differences between waking and dreaming cognition and how Descartes' viewed the problem of distinction therein.
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Descartes' Dream Scenario, 2006.
This paper compares Descartes' dream scenario and the contemporary "brain in a vat" experiment.
1,365 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, essentially, Descartes' dream scenario proposes that the reliability of our senses is fallible; the so called "brain in a vat" scenario is really just a contemporary illustration of Descartes' dream scenario. The author points out that these thought experiments can lead to a tremendous amount of intellectual power because people are suddenly afforded the realization that they might very well have the choice to accept or reject the very world around them. The paper relates that the ultimate goal of Descartes in this experiment in thought is an attempt to remove any beliefs that cannot be proven.
From the Paper
"These ideas force us to acknowledge the fallibility of our senses. Not only is this extremely difficult on a personal level as one sitting and trying to remove the belief that all of the things around us, which we likely have coveted and acquired through some effort and therefore are probably quite attached to them, as well as our own position within these things, but the greater implications of this idea are quite devastating intellectually. Our scientific system of empirical thought is based on observation. This includes the entire classification of the objects and creatures around us as well as the physical principles that rule their behaviors and place in this world."
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Descartes and Dreams, 2008.
A discussion of Descartes' position on the dream debate.
2,170 words (approx. 8.7 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 67.95
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Abstract
This paper examines Descartes' exploration of the nature of the relationship between the dream world and the physical world which we collectively regard as 'real'. The paper points out that his contributions to philosophical discourse were often informed by the thinker's experiences while he slept and that these experiences prompted him to a systematic approach to establishing an understanding of that which is rationally true, while rejecting all notions merely assumed to be true. By casting doubt and applying testing methods to assumed facts, Descartes sought to provide a living framework entirely governed by empiricism. Such a doctrine inclined Descartes to conclude that man could not accept himself to be capable of distinguishing between his experiences as he dreams and those which he has while awake. However, the paper concludes that, upon more speculative investigation, it is evident that Descartes' arguments are damaged by empirical scrutiny regarding the consistent distinctions between dream and waking experiences. Though the doubt which he casts on our assumptions of reality is informative to the pursuit of truth, Descartes ultimately fails to remove from the waking life its purpose or relevance as a real forum for inheriting the experiences which accompany us while we dream.
From the Paper
"This brings to bear two important points in Descartes' argument over dreams. It is first crucial to note that he characterizes the objects and devices which appear in his dreams as fabrications of his mind. This differs from a conventional perspective that these dream apparitions are integrated into the dream by the mind but are truly only reflections of the mind's endeavors in the corporeal. A second and consequent point which Descartes enters into the discourse is that the prospect of the mind behaving in such a fabricating manner during dream-states is proof that it is subject to such behavior during the waking state as well. All that we perceive while in this state, presumptively imagined to be the 'real' forum for the fulfillment of our lives, is channeled through the mind. It is therein that a human creates forms, applies meanings to them and offers the body commands for interacting with these forms. These processes, Descartes evaluates, are all internal and, with the invocation of empirical limitation, must be seen as made feasible only by the dimensional perceptiveness of the human mind."
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Descartes' Cosmological Argument, 2002.
This paper discusses the cosmological argument of Rene Descartes.
2,400 words (approx. 9.6 pages), 6 sources, $ 89.95
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Abstract
The essay reveals that the argument primarily suggests the innate existence of ideas. Descartes employs his famous "dream argument" to argue that the idea of one's own existence proves the difference between objective and subjective reality.
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Descartes' Argument of Mind over Matter, 2008.
An analysis of Rene Descartes' argument of mind over matter in his "Meditations".
850 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 30.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses Descartes' argument, outlined in his "Meditations", that the mind is more easily understood than the physical world. The paper point out that, at first, it might seem that the physical world should be more easily understood, for we can see it, touch it, and otherwise perceive it with our senses. However, the paper shows how Descartes makes a compelling argument based on everyday evidence that suggests that the mind is much easier to understand than the physical world. To conclude, the paper asserts that Descartes' argument ultimately hinges on the matter of trust.
From the Paper
"When one attempts to understand the nature of an object in the physical world, it necessitates the use of one's mind. This is inevitable. Yet, at the same time, Descartes also freely admits that he--like everyone--has experienced instances when his senses have played tricks on him. In fact, with perhaps a bit of tongue in cheek, Descartes even goes so far as to say that there's little way for him to know if his sense aren't being actively tricked by mischievous or malevolent force. The ultimate point to consider is that sensory perceptions cannot be fully trusted, since we have all had experiences in which they have misrepresented the world. This misrepresentation can take the form of sensory hallucinations or inaccurate memories. In either case, our understanding of the physical world is already hampered because it can only be experienced indirectly through the senses, which Descartes confirms is a questionable medium at best."
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Descartes' "Trademark Argument", 2005.
This paper analyzes, in terms of soundness and validity, Descartes' "Trademark Argument", which attempts to prove the existence of God.
1,340 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 0 sources, $ 45.95
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Abstract
This paper argues that Descartes' "Trademark Argument" can only be a sound argument if all the premises are true leading to a true conclusion; thereby, all the premises must be 100% true and there is no argument within an argument. The author points out that there is a problem in the first premise because Descartes says he has this idea of a perfect being but he doesn't mention anything else besides the fact that he has this idea of something perfect. The paper contends that Descartes' actually trying to prove that there is a God is just ridiculous because the author feels that God's existence is supposed to be based on a belief system; there are many religions held by many types of people in the world, and every religion seems to have their own God and own story behind how the world became into existence.
From the Paper
"The first thing Descartes said in his argument was, "I have an idea of a perfect being." Well his perfect being he is referring to is supposed to be God. Since Descartes' whole goal of this argument is to prove the existence of God, this was probably a good start to the argument. He kept it simple, and short without too many details. Once he had this idea, he probably might have been thinking how this idea came to him, which brings up the next premise in his argument."
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Descartes' Ontological Argument, 2001.
This paper focuses on Descartes' ontological argument in the "Meditations".
1,298 words (approx. 5.2 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 43.95
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Abstract
This paper first outlines Descartes? argument for the existence of God as set forth in Meditation V. The writer then addresses the two most prominent objections to this argument: First, Kant?s objection that Descartes' argument is valid but unsound because it contains a false premise, and second, Caterus? objection that the argument is invalid because the conclusion does not logically follow the premises.
From the Paper
"Having established that clear and distinct perceptions are true, Descartes then asserts that he has a clear and distinct perception of God. ?Clearly the idea of God, that is, the idea of a supremely perfect being, is one I discover to be no less within me than the idea of any figure or number.? (M., 368) Additionally, this perception of God includes the concept of existence. ?It is obvious to anyone who pays close attention that existence can no more be separated from God?s essence than [a triangle] having three angles equal to two right angles, or that the idea of a valley can be separated from the idea of a mountain.? (M., 369) Descartes then combines this concept with his first premise to complete the argument. Since clear and distinct perceptions about the nature of a thing are true, and the idea of existence is inextricably linked with the idea of a God, Descartes concludes that a God must therefore exist."
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Defense of Descartes' Skeptical Argumentation, 2000.
An examination and defense of the skepticism of French philosopher Rene Descartes, looking at plausible arguments against his method.
1,020 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 3 sources, $ 36.95
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From the Paper
"In his Meditations, Descartes puts aside all his present beliefs and, by using skepticism, he attempts to discover a set of basic beliefs whose truth is beyond doubt. Descartes uses his dream argument to explain that our senses are not powerful enough to determine which beliefs are true and which are not. In his Second Meditation, through the use of skepticism, he derives his first basic belief, his own existence. "
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Descartes? Argument for God?s Existence, 2006.
Examination of how Descartes' "Third Meditation" argues God's existence.
1,587 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 51.95
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Abstract
While no argument for or against the existence of a higher power will successfully convince members of the other theological camp to its supposed truth, Descartes' "Third Meditation" remains a very skillful, well orchestrated defense of the author's beliefs. This paper points out that an exercise in logic, Descartes' argument for the existence of God is also an excellent example. It explains that the work progresses from the basic to the complex, uses analogies from the readers' experience, anticipates and addresses readers' possible objections and uses such classic methods as cause and effect, negative logic through absences and the need for absolutes.
From the Paper
"The existence of a divine being, namely God, has challenged philosophers, writers, theologians, and other thinkers for millennia; often individuals have, after struggling with exhaustive arguments about a source of immaculate virtue or a prime mover, merely shrugged their shoulders and claimed that the best defense for believing in a higher power is 'personal faith.' Atheists have long rejoiced in this supposed inability to prove God's existence objectively and have often placed their belief in science, with its reliance on axioms, proofs, and purely empirical evidence. Yet how accurate is science? Medical knowledge of the seventeenth century, with its notions of humors and effluvia, has been largely disproved, much like the racially-based biological and genetic theories of the early twentieth century. In addition to being required to constantly undergo modification or rejection, scientific theories often rely on faith; for example, nuclear physics purports the existence of quarks, but no naked eye has ever seen one. While the debate between religion and science has become quite heated, especially since the eighteenth century Enlightenment, French philosopher Rene Descartes penned his Third Meditation in 1637, arguing very convincingly for the existence of God. Indeed, Descartes' argument, relying on notions of the source of inner ideas, cause and effect, and objective perfection, gives reason for theists to applaud and atheists to perhaps rethink their position on the God question."
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Dreams and Dreaming, 2004.
An overview of the process of dreaming and what dreams really mean.
2,253 words (approx. 9.0 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 69.95
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Abstract
This paper attempts to define what exactly a dream is, whether it is a story that evolves in the mind in a single flash of inspiration, moving from beginning to end in a few seconds, or whether there more to it than mere fantasy. It examines how many researchers, both past and present, have given numerous definitions for what dreams are and how they can be interpreted.
Outline
The Mechanics of Dreaming
The Sleep Cycle
Body Dynamics
The Healing Power of Dreams
Dream Deprivation
The Meaning of Dreams
From the Paper
"Thanks to these dream researchers, it is now known that there is a regular cycle of sleeping and dreaming during each period of sleep. For most people, a night of sleep begins with certain rituals; sleep then is supposed to come in an instant. Within the first few minutes, the temperature of the body falls, and brain waves begin their regular alpha rhythms, indicating a relaxed state. In Stage One, the muscles lose their tension, breathing becomes more even, and the heart rate slows. In Stage Two, random or nonsensical image may float through the mind, mimicking the dream state. In Stage Three, the body continues its process of slowing down; the muscles lose all tightness, breaths come slowly and rhythmically, the heart rate decreases and blood pressure falls. In Stage Four, the body and the mind are at their most restful periods and may last for many hours."
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Dreams and Dream Research, 2006.
This paper looks at the sleep cycle and studies dreaming.
2,261 words (approx. 9.0 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 70.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses what exactly a dream is. The writer ask whether it is a story that evolves in the mind in a single flash of inspiration, moving from beginning to end in a few seconds, or if is there more to it than mere fantasy. The writer discusses the sleep cycle and the act of dreaming and notes that many researchers, both past and present, have given numerous definitions for what dreams are and how they can be interpreted.
Outline:
The Mechanics of Dreaming
The Sleep Cycle
Body Dynamics
The Healing Power of Dreams
Dream Deprivation
The Meaning of Dreams
From the Paper
"A 2000 study at the University of Michigan found that the human body's dreaming condition is much like the fight or flight response in waking life, which gears the body up to confront a threatening situation. Yet the brain simultaneously signals the spinal cord to hold the body completely rigid. Science is still attempting to exactly determine what
physical function dreaming has for humans, but since the 1950's, researchers have made remarkable advances in the study of sleep and dreams.
"The cycles of sleep are a fairly new discovery, but in the years since researchers finally cracked the code of sleep, much has been learned about how the human body reacts when one dreams."
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To Dream or Not To Dream, 2001.
A paper discussing the "American Dream," and how it has been denied to certain people throughout history.
1,111 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 3 sources, $ 38.95
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Abstract
A paper discussing the "American Dream," and how it has been denied to certain people throughout history. The author relies on literary quotes to make the case that, in various points in American history, racism, poverty, and many other factors have conspired to deny the American Dream to groups of people.
From the Paper
"In the world today and throughout the past three centuries, millions of people have turned to America as the ?land of promise? where happiness is guaranteed and dreams are realized. The ?American dream? differs somewhat for all people but is built around the principles of being financially successful and having the opportunity to meet one?s goals in life. As this ideal has become more prevalent throughout the world, it has also become more elusive and difficult to obtain. This dream and guarantee that America supposedly offers is too often smothered by societal structure and philosophies, which impose limitations upon and create barriers against those seeking a better life; consequently, millions are left hopeless with their burning passion for life nearly extinguished."
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On the Nature of the Supreme Deity - Descartes and Hume, 1990.
Review of the arguments of Descartes and Hume for the existence of God. Descartes' argument from definition and Humes' teleological argument (argument from design) are examined.
1,575 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 2 sources, $ 55.95
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From the Paper
"Rene Descartes, in his work, The Meditations on First Philosophy (1953) ed., and David Hume, in his work, An Inquiry Concerning Human Understanding (1955 ed.), both argue for the existence of a supreme deity. Descartes believes that the deity is a perfect being living in the consciousness of men. Indeed, his God represents the supreme consciousness or all.knowing mind. David Hume sees proof for the existence of God in the perfect and complex order of nature. Thus, the primary difference between the two philosophers concerns where they seek their evidence for the existence of the Deity. Descartes seeks God within man or through internal evidence. Whereas Hume seeks evidence for God's existence through external observations of the world around us. Although to some degree Hume also accepts Descartes' hypothesis that God must exist as long on as man carries awareness of him in his"
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Descartes's "Mediations", 2004.
Critique and analysis of Descartes's argument from dreaming, his evil-demon argument, and his cogito argument.
843 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 30.95
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Abstract
This paper provides a brief introduction to Descartes's arguments from "Mediations" and provides some common criticisms of Descartes's philosophy.
From the Paper
"Descartes dream argument is based on his assumption that humans accept any information that comes in from the senses as true. In his dream argument, Descartes proposes that the sensations that he feels in reality are greatly similar to those sensations that he feels while dreaming. As such, there is no reliable way to tell the difference between sensations felt during dreams and those felt while awake."
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